PYCC Staff
& Directors
Staff Bios
Susun White, Executive Director
Aloha! I have been the team leader at the Pā‘ia Youth and Cultural Center since 1994. It has been a wonderful adventure and I am grateful to all the youth and community members who have graced our doors. I love teenagers and consider myself blessed to be able to spend the majority of my days within hearing range of their perspective of the planet. Both my children were raised at the PYCC and my husband Gregory has spent many hours tending to the grounds. Throughout the years I have striven to make PYCC a safe loving place that supports and enhances the creativity of all our members. My personal passions are yoga, dance, bike riding, and ocean swimming.
Ben Rachunas, Deputy Director and Pa'ia Bay Cafe Program
Aloha, my name is Benjamin and I wear many hats here at the PYCC. I serve as the Deputy Director, Pā‘ia Bay Cafe Program Director and the manager of the dune coastal restoration at the PYCC. Before moving to Maui, I studied Psychology, Sociology, and Child Development at Rowan University, and worked in a wide array of settings that allowed me to discover diverse cuisines from around the world. Since moving here, I’ve had opportunities to work with the special needs community for several years, serve as a private chef to many, and have developed a love for farming. When I’m not at the PYCC helping our members learn to cook delicious meals and nourishing plants, I can usually be found hiking in the mountains meeting new plants, or at home in my art studio.
Zac Riedle, StoneWave Skatepark Director and Drop-In Program Specialist
As the director of the StoneWave Skate Park, I bring a variety of exciting experiences with board sports to the PYCC. Born and raised in Southern California, I grew up surfing, skating, and snowboarding. I’ve been teaching surfing and snowboarding since 2014, to all ages and experience levels. My love of adventure brought me to Hawai’i, and I’m eager to teach and work with the youth of the PYCC and share my passion for board sports with the community of Maui.
Brandon LaRue, Operations Director, Malama Pono Project Venture Program Director, and Drop-in Program Specialist
I was born and raised in South Lake Tahoe California. From one paradise to the next I pursued my dreams and moved to Maui in 2007. I am a profesional photographer with a broad range of artistic interests. I LOVE all sports and recreational activities. I am devoted to serve Maui’s youth with my skills and energy. To inspire a fun, creative and safe environment at the PYCC. To mālama the PYCC hale, the keiki and the north shore’s ‘ohana is a great honor.
Abby Robinson, Drop-in Program Specialist
Aloha I’m Abby. I was born and raised on Maui and grew up at the PYCC. I’ve also been actively volunteering at the PYCC as an alumni. As the PYCC House Host I offer art, music, sports and recreation activities for members. I like diving and painting, and hope to help our youth gain valuable wisdom and skills while having fun at the PYCC!
Travis Baker, Drop-In Program Specialist
Aloha, my name is Travis Baker. As a PYCC alumni from the island of Maui, I’m a skateboarder and artist who also loves fishing, surfing, and creative media. What I love the most about the PYCC is how unique and diverse the environment is, and I strongly believe that this place produces some of the most well-rounded people on Maui.
Julian Boone, RadiOpio Station Manager and Program Specialist
Aloha! I was born and raised right here on the North Shore of Maui, surfing at the same beach where I now have the privilege to work. As a fan of all types of music and arts, using the RadiOpio Program allows me to share my lifelong interests with PYCC members. My interactions with members are a consistent highlight of my day, and I hope to be as impactful in my work as the PYCC staff were to me when I was a member.
Sage Farrell, Skate Park Program and Lessons
Sage Farrell, thrill-seeker, lifeguard, and survivalist. I was born and raised on Maui and am an alumni PYCC member. I’m happy to continue to be a strong part of the leadership at PYCC, and to share my love for skateboarding, the outdoors, and music with our members. Look for me in any and every capacity at the PYCC, but mostly in the Stone Wave Skate Park and outdoor programs such as Maui Hero Project and Malama Pono Project Venture.
Bridget Saffire, Sewing Club Program
Aloha, my name is Bridget! I was born and raised in up-state New York. I went to school in New York and graduated with a degree in Psychology. I moved to Maui in 2017 and it was the best decision of my life – I love yoga, hiking, and surfing, and on Maui I can do it all on the same day! I really enjoy connecting and working with young people because they constantly teach me new things. I am very excited to be working at PYCC as the Sewing Club Program Specialist!
Board of Directors
Pa'ia Youth Council, Inc.
Board of Directors and Advisors
The Board of Directors meets the first Monday of every month at 12:30 pm at the Pā‘ia Youth & Cultural Center. Term of office is for two years. Officers terms are renewed in March. We have 100% participation from our dedicated hard working board members.
Assists with fundraising and PYCC development. Joined the Board in 2003.
Assists with fundraising and PYCC development. Joined the Board July 2001.
Assists with KOPO, fundraising, and PYCC development. Joined the Board April 2008.
Provides guidance in all accounting matters and fundraising. Joined the Board February 2007.
Employment Opportunities
Current Openings:
There are no openings at this time